COM 0862.014 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Honl's Beach Association P.O. Box 2891 Kamuela, HI 96743 (808) 885-8022 Fax: 887-1157 Hawaii County Council June 15, 1998 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, HI 96720 Re: Resolution No. 279-98 Dear members of the Hawaii County Council, First of all I would like to thank the members of the finance committee who voted in favor of resolution 279-98 asking the mayor to acquire certain shoreline property at Wai'aha bay in Kailua-Kona. I would also like to say I really enjoyed hearing some of the feedback from Council on the situation we have over here in Kona. This weekend I went down to the beach at Wai'aha and saw this local family really relaxing and having a good time I asked where he was from, he said the other side and had come over to watch the canoe races. He also said he wanted to get in some beach time with his kids before heading back to the rain. would like to read a couple of paragraphs out of the Hawaii County Recreational Plan dated 1974. This is out of section 3.71, North Kona district profile. There are several factors that will generate recreation demand. The new developments, depending on the type, will increase demand for shoreline access, historic site preservation and neighborhood parks. Unless proper planning can be achieved beforehand, the public will find itself competing with private developers for the prime areas. Furthermore, the realignment of Ali'! drive will spur more residential development along its edges. As the population increases, this will create demand for neighborhood parks. The coastal areas of this district have been witnessing tremendous growth over the past decade due primarily to the increase in tourism. Numerous proposals have been submitted to the county for the development of hotels, multiple family units, subdivisions and other tourist related facilities. Many of the housing proposals cater to the second home market and retired persons. Competition for shoreline use has risen sharply since several developments have closed off portions of the shoreline areas from the public. Because of this, the public is demanding the government to have shoreline reserves and right-of-ways established at points along the Coast. The majority of the islands usable beaches are located on the Kona coast. Because of its limited supply, these should be reserved for public use. Resort projects will be the major contenders for the shoreline areas, and their development should be done so that it does not become a barrier to the proposed trail system. In recognition of the importance of the shoreline and marine environment the United Nations has declared 1998 the international year of the ocean, this designation provides individual organizations and governments with an important opportunity to raise public awareness and understanding of the ocean and related issues. Hawaii's beaches are considered world-class. In the eighth annual ranking of America's best beaches, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman or Dr. Beach for short, gave Kailua beach on Oahu the title of best beach in the nation. Mauna Kea beach was second with three more from Hawaii in the top 10. I don't think Honl's beach will ever be nominated for the nation's best beach award. But it can be a winner for the residents of Hawaii County and others. The first step is to get this resolution asked and the ball in the mayors court. He can then negotiate with the landowner for fair compensation for his property whether it is a two or three-way land exchange. Enclosed are some photographs of Wai'aha beach and a computer-enhanced image of the park. This is the vision we have, now is the time for it to happen. Please support this resolution. Sincerely, Michael L. Varney, Chairperson